This is the fourth in a series of stories The Times is publishing regarding water.

In working on this series, we have found that many authorities dealing with water in Fountain Hills tend to agree that a significant culprit creating poor water quality in the town is sodium – and the fact that salt is a major byproduct of using water softeners.

Water softeners generate about 20 to 25 gallons of sodium-laden waste water per day. Bob Travis, owner of Travis and Sons Plumbing, has worked more than three decades in the community. He estimates about one third of the households in Fountain Hills use a water softener. That number would translate to around 5,000 water softeners.

That translates to up to about 125,000 gallons of water softener waste per day going into the sewer system.

While salt is the most common catalyst used in water softeners, it is not the only substance that works. Potassium chloride also works very well at taking out the hard water elements. It also has numerous advantages over sodium, one being it is much healthier for humans and plant growth.

Travis said doctors often recommend that patients with high blood pressure use potassium chloride instead of sodium in their water softeners.

Potassium is also used in fertilizer, so it is much better for vegetation.

While potassium would seem to be the primary choice for water softeners it does have one major drawback – the cost.

While stores in Fountain Hills sell sodium chloride for water softeners for around $5 for a bag, potassium chloride will run about $23 for about the same amount.

One resident has called The Times to make note of the fact that he has lived in the community for about 30 years and has used a water softener that entire time. He also said he has always used potassium and would urge everyone to do so.

In spite of the advantages with potassium, persuading users to switch from salt might be a sell as hard as the water in Fountain Hills.